Whole Hog BBQ Cook-Off


Because North Carolina is so enthusiastic about its barbecue, it has been made an annual event at the North Carolina Blueberry Festival. The festival’s Whole Hog BBQ Cook-off is sanctioned by the NC Pork Council and its Whole Hog Barbecue Series. Pigs will be cooked by many local contestants, along with champion cookers from across North Carolina, where they will compete to be named the 21st  Annual NC Blueberry Festival Barbecue Champs! Contestants are judged on the taste of their barbecue and sauce it is served with it. The pigs may be cooked with wood, charcoal, or gas. After judging the meat is chopped and sold by Pender Athletic Club during the Blueberry Festival. You will find this to be the most popular meal at the festival!!



Festival proceeds are used to provide academic scholarships to deserving, college-bound seniors in the blueberry producing counties of Bladen, Duplin, New Hanover, Pender, and Sampson.